Dam Market in Nha Trang: A Must-Visit Local Market in Vietnam

When visiting Nha Trang, Dam Market (Chợ Đầm) is one of the most vibrant and authentic places to explore. Known as the largest market in the city, it offers a glimpse into everyday Vietnamese life while providing a wide array of items that are perfect for gifts, souvenirs, and personal use. From dried seafood to handmade crafts, here’s a deep dive into what you should buy at Dam Market.

Explore Dam Market Nha Trang for local souvenirs, dried seafood, and authentic Vietnamese charm. Photo source: vietgoing.com

1. What is Dam Market?

Dam Market is the largest and most iconic market in Nha Trang, located just a few minutes from the city center. Originally built in the 1970s and renovated over the years, it attracts both locals and tourists alike with its impressive architecture and variety of products.

• Location: Ben Cho, Van Thanh Ward, Nha Trang City

• Opening Hours: Daily from 5:00 AM to 6:30 PM

• Entrance Fee: Free

2. Why Visit Dam Market?

Shop Like a Local

With over 500 stalls spread across multiple levels, Dam Market sells almost everything — fresh produce, seafood, Vietnamese spices, textiles, handicrafts, jewelry, and more. It’s a perfect spot to buy souvenirs like conical hats, embroidered items, or handcrafted wooden gifts at local prices.

Taste Authentic Vietnamese Food

Street food is a highlight here. Try Bún Cá Nha Trang (Nha Trang fish noodles), Bánh Căn, or fresh fruit smoothies. Many vendors offer cheap and flavorful dishes, letting you enjoy a full Vietnamese meal for just a couple of dollars.

Experience Local Culture

Beyond shopping and eating, Dam Market lets you observe how locals interact, trade, and live. It's an authentic setting where bargaining is expected, smiles are abundant, and every corner tells a story of Vietnamese daily life.

3. What to Buy at Dam Market

Dried Seafood: A Local Specialty to Take Home

Dam Market is renowned for its wide selection of dried seafood, a culinary hallmark of Nha Trang. Common finds include dried squid (mực khô), dried shrimp (tôm khô), anchovies (cá cơm), and fish floss. These items are ideal for cooking or gifting and are often vacuum-packed for convenient travel. If you’re unfamiliar with Vietnamese seafood products, don’t hesitate to ask for a sample — most vendors are happy to offer a taste.

Shop dried seafood at Dam Market – a flavorful Nha Trang specialty perfect for gifting or cooking. Photo source: dulichocean.vn

Traditional Spices and Sauces

Vietnamese cuisine is beloved for its depth of flavor, and many of its ingredients can be found here. Highlights include Nha Trang’s signature fish sauce, chili paste, lemongrass powder, and five-spice powder. These condiments are often handmade by local producers, giving you a more authentic flavor profile than what’s typically available in international supermarkets.

Textiles and Traditional Clothing

On the upper floor of the market, you’ll find various types of clothing, including the traditional Ao Dai dress. Lightweight cotton tops, linen pants, silk scarves, and embroidered garments are also widely available. These items reflect Vietnam’s rich textile heritage and are perfect for both everyday use and souvenirs.

Handicrafts and Souvenirs

The market is a great place to find authentic Vietnamese handicrafts such as lacquerware, bamboo and rattan goods, coconut-shell accessories, and woven baskets. Items like conical hats (nón lá), hand-painted trays, and wooden carvings are both lightweight and culturally meaningful — great gifts or décor for your home.

Local Snacks and Sweet Treats

Dam Market offers a wide variety of packaged Vietnamese snacks that are perfect for gifting or enjoying on the go. Popular items include coconut candy, rice crackers, roasted lotus seeds, and dried tropical fruits like mango and jackfruit. Many vendors offer free samples, so feel free to explore with your taste buds.

Accessories and Jewelry

Explore small stalls offering handmade accessories like beaded bracelets, embroidered handbags, shell jewelry, and decorative bookmarks. While most of these items are inexpensive, they’re crafted with care and often reflect local traditions or motifs.

Herbal Remedies and Natural Products

Vietnamese wellness products are also available, including herbal bath sachets, medicinal teas (like artichoke or dried lotus), and essential oils. These are often used in traditional medicine or spa rituals and make for a unique, natural souvenir.

4. Tips for Visiting Dam Market

Visit Early in the Morning

The market opens around 6:00 AM, and mornings are the best time to visit. You’ll find the freshest products, cooler temperatures, and a less crowded atmosphere. This is especially important if you're shopping for food or perishable items.

Visit Dam Market Nha Trang early for the freshest seafood and a peaceful shopping experience. Photo source: dulichocean.vn

Bring Cash and Small Change

Most vendors at Dam Market do not accept credit cards. It’s best to bring Vietnamese đồng in small denominations for ease of transaction. ATMs are available nearby if needed.

Practice Polite Bargaining

Bargaining is expected at Dam Market, particularly for clothes and souvenirs. Start by offering around 60–70% of the asking price, but keep the interaction friendly. A smile goes a long way, and vendors usually appreciate respectful negotiation.

Pack Light and Bring a Bag

If you plan to shop extensively, bring a foldable tote or backpack. Many vendors offer plastic bags, but they may not be durable for long trips, especially with fragile or bulky items.

Be Mindful of Quality

While many items at Dam Market are genuine, there are also mass-produced goods. Take time to examine products and don’t be afraid to ask questions about where they’re made or how they’re produced.

5. How to Get to Dam Market

Location

Dam Market is located in the heart of Nha Trang city at the intersection of Ben Cho and Van Thanh streets. It is a short walk or drive from most major hotels and the beachfront area.

Address: Ben Cho Street, Van Thanh Ward, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM daily

Getting There by Taxi or Grab

The easiest way to reach Dam Market is by taxi or via ride-hailing apps like Grab. The market is well-known, so any local driver will be familiar with its location. Expect a short ride (5–10 minutes) from most central hotels.

Walking or Cycling

If you’re staying nearby, Dam Market is within walking or biking distance from the main tourist zones along Tran Phu Street. Walking allows you to soak in the local atmosphere and explore nearby food stalls or cafés.

Public Transport

Local buses do pass through the area, but they are not widely used by tourists due to limited English signage. Unless you’re adventurous and familiar with Vietnamese, it’s best to stick to taxis or ride-hailing.

6. Nearby Attractions

After shopping at Dam Market, don’t rush back to your hotel just yet. The market's central location in Nha Trang makes it a great starting point to explore nearby cultural, historical, and recreational sites. Whether you're a history buff, food lover, or simply looking for a scenic stroll, there’s plenty to discover within walking distance.

Po Nagar Cham Towers

Located just 2 km north of Dam Market, Po Nagar Cham Towers is one of the most significant cultural landmarks in Nha Trang. Built between the 8th and 11th centuries by the Cham people, this complex of ancient Hindu temples offers sweeping views of the Cai River and city below. Visitors can learn about Cham architecture, enjoy traditional dance performances, or simply soak in the spiritual atmosphere.

Distance from Dam Market: ~10 minutes by taxi or motorbike

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Tip: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.

Nha Trang Cathedral (Stone Church)

Also known as the Christ the King Cathedral, this French Gothic church was built in the 1930s and sits atop a small hill just a few blocks from Dam Market. With its stained-glass windows, stone façade, and panoramic views of the city, it’s a peaceful and picturesque stop for travelers interested in architecture or quiet reflection.

Distance from Dam Market: ~1.2 km

Best time to visit: Morning, before noon Mass

Dress code: Modest clothing is recommended for entering the church.

Long Son Pagoda

A short ride from the market, Long Son Pagoda is famous for its giant white Buddha statue that overlooks the city from a hilltop. The temple grounds feature intricate dragon mosaics and peaceful gardens, making it a serene break from the urban bustle.

Discover the serene beauty of Long Son Pagoda, home to Nha Trang’s iconic white Buddha statue. Photo source: emeraldbayhotelnhatrang.com

Distance from Dam Market: ~2.5 km

Tip: Be prepared for a moderate climb of 150 steps to reach the statue. Bring water and sun protection.

Nha Trang Art Gallery and Local Museums

For travelers interested in the arts, several small galleries and cultural spaces are scattered around the city center. These include the Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography (further south) and smaller private galleries that showcase local contemporary art.

Distance from Dam Market: Varies (~5–15 minutes by taxi)

What to see: Marine exhibits, coastal biodiversity, and traditional Vietnamese art.

Nha Trang Beach and Seafront Promenade

Only a short walk or drive away, Nha Trang’s famous beachfront is perfect for unwinding after the busy market atmosphere. Enjoy a coconut by the sea, walk along the landscaped promenade, or grab a seat at a beachfront café.

Distance from Dam Market: ~1.5 km

Best time to go: Late afternoon to evening when the sun sets and locals gather along the beach.

Dam Market is not just a tourist attraction, it’s a living, breathing snapshot of Vietnamese life. For travelers seeking authentic experiences, flavorful food, and a vibrant local atmosphere, Dam Market delivers it all. Bring your curiosity, your bargaining skills and an open heart, you’ll leave with more than just souvenirs.